February
Topic: “Latest Research on UVC (UVGI): Focus on Bioaerosols”
Date: February 13, 2008
Time: 5:30 PM Happy Hour, Meeting: 6:30 PM
Location: McKimmon Center
Presentation: A wide variety of studies of UVC to inactivate airborne microorganisms have been conducted. While the overall result has been the same (UVGI neutralizes some microorganisms), the studies have differed with regard to some of the secondary parameters. Our data indicate that UVGI systems can be used to inactivate a substantial fraction of bioaerosols in a single pass if the dose is sufficient. However, this may be difficult to achieve due to the high airflow rate in an HVAC system. The combined effects of the microbial resistance distribution and the dose variability inherent for any aerosol in a duct have a high probability of allowing penetration of survivors even using the most thorough design process.
Factors that need to be considered when applying UVGI in HVAC systems are:
1. The organism must reach the lamps.
2. High variability for inactivation should be expected.
Microorganisms are part of a population; there is a natural distribution of resistance.
Any aerosol in a duct is subject to inherent variability in dose due to the nature of the air flow with a duct.
3. Depending upon the organism, 90% or 99% inactivation efficiency may not be enough.
4. Irradiance and residence time must be sufficient to achieve needed dose.
Speaker: KARIN FOARDE
Karin Foarde is a Senior Research Microbiologist with over 30 years of experience, and is the Program Director of RTI’s Microbial and Molecular Biology Department. She designs, directs and conducts applied and basic research in microbiology and aerobiology. Her research interests focus on bioterrorism associated biological aerosols (bioaerosols) and the environmental causes of allergy and asthma. Current clients include: U.S.EPA, U.S. Army, DARPA, NRL, and AFRL. Ms. Foarde has authored or co-authored 5 book chapters and over 75 articles.
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